HandBrake

HandBrake is a GPL'd multiplatform, multithreaded DVD to MPEG-4 ripper/converter. HandBrake was originally available on the BeOS, but now has been ported over to MacOS X and to GNU/Linux. A Windows port is being worked on.

Handbrake is fast and effective. It's my go to app for both ripping and transcoding. Batch mode is perfect for queuing up multiple jobs whether they are episodes on a DVD or multiple videos I've captured on my phone.